Japan's Army AH-1S Cobra Attack Helicopter BGM-71 TOW Anti-Tank Missile Live-Fire 3000m range JGSDF

Japan's Army AH-1S attack helicopter fire a TOW missile during a live fire exercise.
Japan manufactured 89 AH-1S Cobras under license by Fuji Heavy Industries from 1984 to 2000. The type is used by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), and are Step 3 models, which are roughly the equivalent to the U.S. Army's AH-1Fs. The engine is the T53-K-703 turboshaft, which Kawasaki Heavy Industries produced under license.

[@gazof-the-north5708]

I didnt realise TOW Missiles were still used on helicopters?

[@ryerye5855]

The AH-1S Step III Cobras used by the JGSDF were primarily designed to destroy tanks. They're tank hunters, should a war break out and the adversaries present themselves with tanks they're there to counter that.

[@mx4life560]

Yhea but there is new technology to fill the same role. Op was just confused as to why tows are still being used

[@EricPham-gr8pg]

Helicopter are best for anti tank because rocket had better range than tank return fire